Fashion, Iceland, Earmuffs

December 06, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

Let's talk about fall and winter in Iceland. More specifically, let's talk about the fashion, design, and landscape that inspired me to make and bring these:

Faux leather earmuffs modeled by Shelly, a friend of mine.

But first, some history. Before going on this trip, I did a lot of research on the fashion and the lay of the land in Iceland. They call it the Land of Ice and Fire, not to be confused with the HBO series Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire (a significant portion of which was filmed in Iceland --they even have tours!), a name that both I and many others feel is quite apt for this (relatively) tiny country. Despite boasting a socioeconomically modern capital city, much of the country still remains undeveloped and wild. Once you leave the capital of Reykjavik, it's anyone's guess what happens. Spread out between miles and miles of untouched land, are other towns, or villages by our standards. The weather is wild, the animals are wild, the scenery is wild, and they draw almost 100% of their energy from geothermal plants.

There are sweeping glaciers --Langjökull (Long Glacier)

alien landscapes -- gouged earth, courtesy of Langjökull's passing

gorgeous waterfalls --Öxarárfoss, in Þingvellir National Park

lava tubes, giant caves made by past eruptions of volcanoes --Víðgelmir

and sheep. fun fact: sheep in Iceland, whether by design or coincidence, outnumber the Icelandic people almost 3:1. The inevitable sheep uprising will be both delicious and adorable.

There are countless other great pictures to show you of the varied and often extreme landscapes, but, I won't bore you with that for now.

Moving on: the weather in Iceland can change unexpectedly and dramatically: sunny and rainbows one minute, violent storms the next, only to pass by within 10 minutes.

brave cows huddling for warmth during a particularly violent outburst of inclement weather. ::sniff:: such bravery in the face of adversity.

Understandably, there needs to be a lot of utility in Icelandic fashion with a need to stay both warm and dry while looking good. In the capital of Reykjavik (as well as in gift shops around the island) you can find many shops peddling high quality wool (from the sheep), down (from the Eider duck) and leather (both sheep and cow) products, made possible by the sacrifices of the brave animals, that do an amazing job at keeping you toasty. There is no place for extraneous extravagance in Iceland as the weather simply does not allow for it (at least not during the fall and winter); it is strikingly evident in their architecture and fashion alike. Minimalistic, high quality, and gorgeous.

People tend to dress in layers, finished off with leather or oversized woolen jackets/coats, and there are many designers that draw influence from the elements:

The designs, as you can see (whether on purpose on ingrained in their psyche), draw from many aspects of the surrounding elements: such as the color (generally earthen --tans, beige, moss-green, black, white, grey) the texture (rocks, jagged mountains, ravines, waterfalls), the animals (furs, leathers), and even natural phenomenon (volcanoes, aurora). The beauty and majesty of Iceland is truly inspiring to many people across many different medium.

So knowing this, I designed the Faux Leather earmuffs to take on the trip in hopes of fitting in, or at least, making a worthy tribute. But... even with all the research I did, and the evidence I've seen while in Iceland, I wasn't quite sure if I truly succeeded... until. Until I happened across these gorgeous gloves in one of the many gift shops in Iceland (this one in particular next to Gullfoss):

pictured: Rân gloves from the brand Feldur, sold all around Iceland, a.k.a a match made in heaven

My boyfriend saw them and pointed it out to me, and even bought them for me without asking. At first I was a little annoyed, because in general, gloves don't fit me very well. I am an in-between size, which makes it so they are always either too much of something: long loose, short, tight... (take note, glove designers: not everyone fits neatly into S, M and L) but he insisted I put them on. They fit, well, like a glove! In the midst of my amazement, it clicked then that this was the final piece I needed to be at peace with my earmuffs belonging in Iceland. It had all of the elements: soft leather (faux in my case), fur trimmings (inspired by sheep wool), and a sleek minimalistic design. A match made in heaven.

Mission complete, and I couldn't be happier.

bonus: an angry cat preventing someone from going to work. the car belongs to the cat now.

Post by Eugenia || moobury.com || moobury.etsy.com|| Follow @Moobury on instagram and facebook!

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Visiting NYC During the Holiday Season: Exploring, Shopping, and Sightseeing- Itineraries for Two and Five Days

November 30, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective in "Holiday Handmade Cavcalcade", "holiday markets", "holiday shopping"

When I returned to New York as an adult, a new friend and co-worker said to me, "New York City around the holidays is absolutely magical. The lights, the store windows, the snow - it is all so exciting! Then January and February hit and you wish all the snow and cold would disappear!" As a native, and now, seasoned New Yorker, I couldn't agree more with her statement.

With the Thanksgiving holiday, New York turns into a snow globe of magic. If it snows, even more so. People bundled up and sloshing around make for a quiet and pretty New York City experience. Sure, people are still as feisty as ever, it is the holiday season after all, and shopping can be overwhelming even for those prepared with lists and gifts already purchased, but there is an overall sense of happiness and delight that comes with interacting with strangers.

The holiday season is also the busiest for New York City travel wise. Many visitors from around the world come to experience all that New York offers during the season including the endless shopping. EtsyNY team members know all about the shopping season, as they're currently and hurriedly making and packing goods for upcoming markets.

In preparation for the season upon us, I've put together a list, with the help of native New Yorkers and current residents, of what is considered "must do/see" when visiting New York in December depending on a two-day/weekend or a full five-day/week schedule.

Two Days in NY: Holiday Windows + Handmade Markets at Bryant Park and Union Square + Rockerfeller Center

1. You definitely want to see the windows of Macy's at 34th Street and Lord & Taylor at 5th Ave. Both are gorgeous displays of holiday merriment.

2. If you're looking for unique and special gifts for the holidays, you want to make sure you visit the holiday markets set up at Bryant Park at 42nd and 5th Ave (on the map in point 3) and Union Square* at 14th Street. There are a few more open holiday markets such as Columbus Circle (no map available), but, these two I can confirm definitely have EtsyNY Team members selling their handmade and locally made wares.

If you're visiting Union Square, I highly, and I mean highly, recommend you stop at The City Bakery on 18th between 5th and 6th Avenues. They have some of the most decadent hot chocolate in the world. They also have these amazing homemade marshmallows that slowly melt by the temperature of the hot chocolate. YUM! As you're walking along this tour, you'll be glad to have one!

Note on this map that Chelsea Market, which is hosting our annual Handmade Cavalcade, is listed on here and is the main focus on this map. Our Handmade Cavalcade is detailed below in the five day/week long schedule.

3. Last, but not least, you'd have to see 42nd Street, or Times Square. Minutes away from there is Bryant Park, which is listed as a place to shop at their open holiday market; Grand Central Terminal, which is a beautiful building and also has trains to points North by way of Metro North; Rockerfeller Center, which has their famous Christmas Tree; and Radio City Music Hall, which currently has the Rockettes Holiday Show, "Christmas Spectacular" performing and is a must see.

Five Days in NY: Holiday Windows + Handmade Markets at Bryant Park and Union Square + Rockerfeller Center + NY Botanical Garden Annual Train Show + Christmas Lights in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn

1 - 3. See the three maps above and check out all of those options, as they're within walking distance from each other.

4. If you have a couple of hours to spend walking the grounds of the New York Botanical Garden, I recommend it. Currently, the annual Train Show (celebrating its 25th year!) is on display and it is perfect for children and adults! The trains have history and, as is New York City, are always evolving. I suggest you add this to your visit to Grand Central Terminal. You can purchase a ticket upon arrival, or on MTA's website to take the Metro-North Harlem local line to Botanical Garden Station. It's a 20-minute train ride. The main entrance is across the street from the train station. You can't miss it!

Note: Almost directly across from the NY Botanical Garden is the Bronx Zoo. I'm not sure what they have on display for the Holidays, but if you're up there, you might want to make a full day and visit both locations. Remember, they're both large and you'll want to map your day accordingly if you do both.

5. Take a tour of the houses with Christmas light displays in Dyker Heights, Brooklyn! This is another option that requires some time and should be done in the evening. The lights go on at dark, around 5pm and stay on until around 9pm, give or take. The lights are definitely worth seeing around mid-December, if you can trek out to Dyker Heights. When I visited a few years ago, I did a bus tour through A Slice of Brooklyn that ran 3.5 hours, met at Union Square, and had a cannoli and coffee stop at the end. Their website (link above) has all details, including how to purchase tickets. Well worth the money in my opinion!

If you're not interested in spending that kind of money, you can take the subway to Dyker Heights, averaging around an hour each way and walk around the houses. There are some hills, so if you go the walking way, don't complain that you were not warned! Also, depending on when you go, it may be really cold, so you'll want to be bundled warmly if walking around. Free Tours by Foot has some great instructions on how to best get there, along with streets and houses you want to make sure you see.

Note: Brooklyn is not scaled and therefore is not accurate. It should be wider.

4. Last, but not least, you should head over to Chelsea Market. It's an institution and the High Line Park is around the corner. It has delicious eats and some great shops and most importantly, it will have the EtsyNY team Holiday Handmade Cavalcade (HHC) for the third year!

This year, the HHC will run for a full week - opening Monday, December 5th and closing on Sunday, December 11th. We are hosting a "Sip 'n' Shop" event on Thursday, December 8th between the hours of 6:30pm and 9:00pm. The event is sponsored by Brooklyn Brewery and will have alcoholic beverages for you to drink while shopping. The Handmade Holiday Cavalcade is a sought after event and we highly recommend RSVPing ahead of time for both the Cavalcade and the Sip 'n' Shop event. Shoppers without an RSVP will be charged $2.00 at the door.

If your holiday travels bring you to NYC at any time through the holiday season, we welcome you! Not to mention, you have a few ideas on how to spend your time. We hope you'll enjoy them, if you do decide to use these suggested schedules.

If you happen upon our glorious City during December 5th-11th, we hope you'll find your way into Chelsea Market and into the doors of our Handmade Holiday Cavalcade, leaving you with everlasting treasures from your holiday visit.

Happy Holidays!

Sara Stroman

Sara is a stationery maker and paper lover and runs S2 Stationery & Design. Since the young age of seven, she loved grabbing handfuls of deposit slips from banks and using the carbon copy paper to trace designs. In 2012, she traveled to Echizen, Japan to learn paper making from well known paper makers in the community with the blessing of their paper goddess. She also loves to travel and as you can see, doodling maps not set to scale.

Relaxing Etsy Finds

November 29, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

How often do you wonder, "Can I just have a moment to breathe?" With this busy season upon us, making time for ourselves to relax and recharge is even more of a challenge. Find your happy place with these Etsy products designed just for you. A selection of thoughtful gifts for that friend who needs a reminder! And remember to breathe...

Organic cotton eye mask by EssentiallySavvy

Post by: Nicoletta Siccone / ETSY Shop: ArtologieDesigns / Website: www.art-ologie.com

Nicoletta is a lifelong artist and art educator, with an M.A. in Art Education and Administration. She travels the world seeking cultural inspiration for her art, and has worked in fibers, acrylics, oils, and sculpture. Her current work is inspired by the reinvention of the mundane zipper, elevated to an art form into unexpected jewelry designs. Nicoletta’s artwork is shown throughout New York/New Jersey area and worldwide.

Here We Come A-wassailing!

November 26, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

Ready or not, the holidays are finally here! Thanksgiving has come and gone now we gear up for shopping, exchanging gifts, facing the chilly chilly weather, and of course, holiday parties! Here is an easy way to prepare a classic wassail punch that will impress your guests, while warming hands, tummies, and spirits. Best of all? It almost prepares itself! Giving you plenty of time to get dressed in your holiday finest, or just hang on the sofa with pals until your delicious beverage is ready.

Here's what you'll need to get started:

½ gallon of apple cider
1 large apple (I used Fuji, my favourite)
1 Bosch pear
2-3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves (about 10 cloves)
Fresh grated nutmeg (optional, but amazing!)
A large crock pot

1. Gather all of your ingredients together, and set your crock pot to Low.

2. Pour in your cider and let it begin to simmer while you prepare the fruit.

3. Slice your apples width-wise straight through the core. If you can see the 'star' in the center you've got it right.

4. Measure out your spices directly into the pot. A little spill won't ruin the mix.

5. Let the cider and spices simmer to perfection over 2-4 hours. Take a long bath, trim the tree, start a movie marathon, or prepare the house, and your gorgeous self for guests!

When ready, ladle into mugs and enjoy with good company! Actually going a-wassailing is of course, optional.

Post by C oleen Phoenixx

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T H A N K S G I V I NG

November 21, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

Thanksgiving is 4 days away. I'm not quite sure how it came so fast this year but none the less it's here & as soon as we pack up all the leftovers come Thursday it will be full on Christmas Mode ! We are officially entering the holiday season ! I feel like if I blink I might just miss it all. I'd like to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving with your loved ones & safe travels for those of you leaving the city. I love the holidays especially Thanksgiving. I have so much to be Thankful for. Last year I hosted my 1st Thanksgiving for my entire family. I had so much fun preparing & planning. It was a lot of work but I genuinely enjoyed everything about it. I love having my family together in one place. There isn't much else in this life that makes me feel as complete. I am so very Thankful for them. This year my sister will be hosting for us. I've started helping out with some of the quirky fun details like place settings & such because lets face it cooking a turkey is a task in its own. Im talking from experience. I am more than happy to help out wherever I can plus I live for those tiny details that just tie everything together. Here is a little peak into what I have so far.

Printed & Stamped Name Tag Place Settings

I used an orange chalk stick to color them in then blended with my fingers to create a faded rustic look

I hope you all have an Amazing holiday ! I'll be back next week over on MozieMo to post plenty of pictures from our Thanksgiving & much more regular post so keep an eye out.

As Always Thanks for following along : )

-XOXO

-Rachel Leigh

Shop MozieMo for all of your Holiday Needs > MozieMoByRachelLeigh/Etsy : )

EtsyNY Travels: Kyoto, Japan

November 16, 2016 by NY Handmade Collective

I was lucky enough to visit Japan this past spring (you can read about the first part of my trip here) and as excited as I was to visit Kyoto, it still managed to exceed my expectations. It is so charming. has such a long, rich history filled with beauty, art and nature. Around every turn was a cherry tree with blush blossoms winking in the wind, a temple bustling yet serene, or a gaggle of girls in traditional dress kimonos.

A part of what made Kyoto so special to me were the myriad forms of history-filled art: textiles and embroidery, painting and calligraphy, even the presentation of food is beautiful and carefully thought out. I hope you enjoy my photographic journey through Kyoto!

Even the Hello Kitty dolls in Kyoto wear kimonos

We stopped an an Onsen (hot spring) on the way to Kyoto, just outside the city, and stayed at the ryokan there. Everyone wears matching kimonos you are given at check in. After enjoying the springs, we were served impeccable, multi-course meals for dinner and breakfast. While almost no one at the ryokan spoke any English, we were able to communicate perfectly well and enjoy a lovely, relaxing day.

There is a seemingly endless array of temples in Kyoto, but they are all lovely and unique.

There are many species of cherry blossom. These slightly pinker ones were at the height of their bloom during our visit. It's hard to predict exactly when the blossoms will bloom, but we got lucky.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine was my favorite - miles of these orange gates and various moments of smaller shrines throughout, with a charming little village at the base.

We wandered through a small, historic geisha neighborhood and, thanks to an historian acquaintance from Kyoto, learned about the life of a geisha. We also saw a geisha show put on by one of Japan's 'living national treasures.'

In Kyoto, traditional dress is much more common than in Tokyo. Visitors even rent kimonos for the day so they can visit shrines in traditional garb.

I found a left-handed sashimi knife at a small shop (it was the only knife labelled in English!), and they engraved the kanji for my last name on the blade. They sharpen the knife before giving it to you, and it is incredibly sharp! I love that it's the perfect knife for me, a lefty, and personalized.

The food, of course, in Kyoto was wonderful. Kaiseki cuisine, a set many-course dinner using seasonal ingredients, were incredible, and featured lots of cherry blossom flavors!

These snow monkeys were so adorable and we had an awesome afternoon hanging out with them.

These thousands of cranes are left with wishes at shrines throughout the city.

I spent hours in the Kyoto Handicraft Center. It has several floors, and hundreds of objects made with traditional crafting techniques. I brought home lots of prizes, from pretty sweets to miniature painted fans.

Jumping for joy at the end of an amazing trip!

Lauren

Wandering Laur Fine Art